Bach, 50, told Crain's that the decision came from a conversation with his wife about how they wanted to spend the next chapter of their lives. They decided their future is in Gaylord, where they own a small getaway home and are completing a $1.3 million build-out for a new restaurant expected to open in two weeks.

"My intention was to get this restaurant open and keep the other ones," he said. "Dino's and M-Brew are on cruise control, and I figured, no problem. But I started thinking about ultimately what my goals are gonna be. If you don't have a plan, you're planning to fail."

Bach entered the market when Ferndale was fully in the shadow of Royal Oak — the metro Detroit entertainment hot spot that until recently had little competition. Now, Ferndale's once-vacant storefronts are filled with popular restaurants and concepts.

A prime piece of real estate in Ferndale can easily command millions of dollars. The Como's pizzeria and bar building near Bach's businesses sold for $3.074 million earlier this year.

Bach opened Dino's at 22740 Woodward Ave. just south of Nine Mile Road in 2002. The "upscale but not uptight" (its motto since opening) bar was a hot spot in its heyday and is known for its "Funday brunch," but it's a little tired and need of a refresher, Bach admitted.

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"Dino's needs a concept change," he said. "It's just an old-fashioned corner bar, and Ferndale needs something better than that."

M-Brew, opened in 2014, is a cozy spot for craft beer and bar food a few blocks away at 177 Vester Ave., next to Valentine Distilling Co.

Bach said he has no buyers solidified for either business. He's open to turning over the property titles and all the assets in one fell swoop, but he said he would also consider taking on partners for either or both restaurants. He also said he's in discussions with developers.

"I'm open to any discussion that's going to be a situation that will benefit Ferndale," he said. 'It's gotta be something that benefits the city I love."

That means Bach is willing to wait.

"I'm in no hurry," he said. "I'm leaving my options open."

Bach said business at both places has been "firmly steady" and the decision to sell is not related to any downturns or financial issues. It was influenced solely by a desire for him and his wife to eventually start anew in Gaylord.

The new Gaylord restaurant, called Belle Iron Grille, will borrow the "Funday brunch" and anchor Bach's barbecue food truck. Bach is still based in metro Detroit and plans to stick around for as long as it takes to strike an agreeable deal.

"Several people have approached me, but there's no deals being discussed down to the dollars yet," he said. "No hot irons right now. They're all warm."